The Greek Cypriot Administration, in total disregard of the rights of the
Turkish Cypriots, has signed exploration and exploitation contracts with
some international hydrocarbon companies and consortiums on the 5th and 6th
of April. We find it as worrying as it is unacceptable that the Greek
Cypriot side persists in acting as though it were the sole owner of the
Island and continues with its unilateral activities, particularly in a
period when they should be displaying strong political will towards
establishing a new partnership with the Turkish Cypriot people.

We fully agree with the points made concerning this issue in yesterday’s
statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Turkish Republic of
Northern Cyprus, and we share the justified concerns and outrage felt by
the Turkish Cypriot side.

It will be recalled that in the past, we have also repeatedly drawn
attention to the problematic nature of activities carried out by
hydrocarbon companies in maritime areas over which the Turkish Cypriots
have rights. Furthermore, a significant segment of one of the relevant
areas, namely block number 6, falls within Turkey’s continental shelf.
Foreign companies shall never, under any conditions, be permitted to carry
out unauthorized hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation activities in our
maritime jurisdiction areas.

Companies cooperating with the Greek Cypriot Administration on its
unilateral hydrocarbon activities are disregarding the will of the Turkish
Cypriots, the Island’s other founding people. This stance will also be
taken into consideration when evaluating their future involvement in joint
energy projects with Turkey. On the other hand, it should be kept in mind
that following a settlement, the sides constituting the new state will
jointly assess the validity of agreements signed with the Greek Cypriot
Administration in the field of energy.

Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot side desire a negotiated settlement on the
Island of Cyprus. The only way to utilize the Island’s natural resources
prior to a comprehensive settlement, on the other hand, would be through
arrangements for the joint exploitation of the resources with the consent
of the Turkish Cypriot side and the fair sharing of potential revenues.

We reiterate our call on the Greek Cypriot side to take into consideration
the inalienable rights of the Turkish Cypriot people, their future
political partners, on the Island’s natural resources, and to cease any
unilateral activities that could lead to a failure of the efforts aiming
towards a comprehensive solution.

We strongly emphasize that Turkey will continue to take all necessary
measures to protect its rights and interests in its continental shelf as
well as the rights and interests of the Turkish Republic of Northern
Cyprus.